Burglar stabs Chico resident to escape struggle

CHICO — A 22-year-old man struggled with a burglar leaving his house early Thursday morning but let the man go when he realized he was getting stabbed in the arm.

Chico police are still searching for the suspect, Sgt. Rob Merrifield said.

The victim had left his apartment on the 1100 block of Magnolia Avenue unlocked and returned quickly to find the suspect about 3:20 a.m. Thursday, Merrifield said. The suspect did not take any property.

The victim received stitches for the cuts to his arm, Merrifield said.

The suspect is described as white, 20 to 25 years old, 5-foot-8, 160 pounds. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with horizontal pinstripes.

Merrifield said the Chico Police Department has seen an increase in burglaries, many of which happen while people are home. Thieves typically take laptop computers, video game systems and other portable electronics, along with cash.

"Just because you're home doesn't mean that's the time to not lock your doors," Merrifield said.

He recommends that people lock their doors, screen doors and windows, even while they are present. People should also write down the serial numbers of their electronics so if they do get stolen and recovered, police can return them to the owner.

"Whatever you can do to slow somebody down is a good idea," Merrifield said.

Sgt. Scott Zuschin of Chico police said most of the burglaries are crimes of opportunity, when thieves see an open window or find an unlocked door.

He recommended having motion-detecting lights outdoors as well as an alarm system.

Merrifield also recommended that residents should get to know their neighbors, so they know who should and shouldn't be at the home. He said to call if something looks wrong or suspicious.